Costs for 5.8 vs 5.0 strokers

[1sicklx]

Seeing that you're buying more or less the same stuff for either route, approx how much more would it cost to go with a 5.8 based engine as opposed to a 5.0 base?

[qkjuicedpony]

it all really depends on what you already have.

If you are starting from nothing then go with a 5.8.but if you already have a lot of 5.0 based mods like decent headers,intake etc then i would stay with a 5.0.

the cost difference is normally in fuel system setup...especially if you go back EFI.

the year model of the car makes a little difference too

[Italian LX]

It depends on what kind of 302 mods you already have and whether or not your new combo will use the same parts.

If you're starting with a stock 302, the cost difference won't be much more than $600. The 351 may require better flowing heads, so those will cost a bit more and the lifters will be significantly more; expect to pay around $500 for a set as opposed to a $200 for the 302. If you don't plan on going all-out on the build, then you can certainly reuse the 302's flywheel and balancer, but you'll likely replace those with better parts

On the other hand, if you already have some good 302 mods, then you may be able to get away with a cheaper build by reusing those parts. Things such as headers, intake, distributor, balancer, and flywheel can be used on the 302 but must be replaced if you're going with the 9.5" motor.

[1sicklx]

Well, let's say for discussion that you have a 94-95 with a cobra longblock ... the only extra that's really on the table is an extra cobra lower that's available for porting to save on down time if going the 8.2" route.

Regardless of whether a 302 or 351 block is used it is planned to beef up the tranny, and redo the induction setup. For a street car would you say it's worth the money to go with say a 393 as opposed to a 347 even if you plan to keep the induction setup on the conservative side?

[Italian LX]

I forgot to add above that you'll likely need to buy a new hood too, if you go the 351 route.

[1sicklx]

Originally Posted by Italian LX

I forgot to add above that you'll likely need to buy a new hood too, if you go the 351 route.

Yeah, and that's one thing I consider a negative .. lately I've become a fan of the "sleeper" look.

[Italian LX]

Originally Posted by 1sicklx

Yeah, and that's one thing I consider a negative .. lately I've become a fan of the "sleeper" look.

You can still use a stock hood with a 351W -- it just takes some work and special parts. Usually a tubular K-member is involved and drop-mounts. It also limits which intakes you can use.

[1sicklx]

Originally Posted by Italian LX

It also limits which intakes you can use.

even though it will kill the top end the cobra upper with gt-40 truck lower would probably be best in this scenario wouldn't it (hood clearance)? I'm biased towards the gt40 intakes anyway

[Italian LX]

Originally Posted by 1sicklx

even though it will kill the top end the cobra upper with gt-40 truck lower would probably be best in this scenario wouldn't it (hood clearance)? I'm biased towards the gt40 intakes anyway

If you're sticking with a GT-40 intake, I wouldn't even bother with anything much bigger than a 351.

[qkjuicedpony]

you have to use a tubular k member and drop motor mounts and in some cases you have to shim down the k member too.

if you were building a stroked windosr i honestly wouldnt waste my time with a gt40 style intake.it would be fine on a stock 351.